The sentiment was loud and clear - ladies it's time to step up if you want to effect change on your industry - that was the resounding message as more than 50 women from the real estate and associated industries attended a recent REINSW Women on Boards Breakfast. Held at Sydney Opera House, the event was hosted by REINSW's President Leanne Pilkington, who spoke of the importance of women taking positions on boards and the increase in interest to do so. Ruth Medd, Executive Chair of Women on Boards Australia, spoke about the various types of boards and explained to the audience that Industry associations such as REINSW were a very good place to start a board career. "What do you need to do to position yourself best to join a board?" Medd asked the audience. She then extolled the importance of creating a quality resume, a board-ready LinkedIn profile and most importantly perfecting a convincing 30 second pitch. Four panelists - Sandra McCullagh, Pauline Vamos, Amanda Rose and Sarah Bester - took to the stage to explain to the audience how they became board members and the best way to go about joining a board in an industry that you're passionate about. "Finding boards which align with your values, passions and expertise is paramount," McCullagh said. "Ask yourself, where do I fit in? Can I add value to this board?" Vamos added. Pilkington then took to the stage to speak about the REINSW board, and upcoming elections, the process of nominating for the available positions as well as the eligibility criteria for nominees. She was very pleased and encouraged by the enthusiasm of panelists and audience members alike. "There's lots of enthusiasm around the next board election. I think a better understanding of what prospective board members need to do to actually achieve a place on the board is something I'm really excited to see," said Pilkington. Leanne is Managing Director of leading New South Wales boutique real estate group Laing+Simmons, and one of the real estate industry's most respected and sought after commentators.

Successful women in real estate

Leanne Pilkington, President of REINSW

The sentiment was loud and clear - ladies it's time to step up if you want to effect change on your industry - that was the resounding message as more than 50 women from the real estate and associated industries attended a recent REINSW Women on Boards Breakfast.

Held at Sydney Opera House, the event was hosted by REINSW's President Leanne Pilkington, who spoke of the importance of women taking positions on boards and the increase in interest to do so.

Ruth Medd, Executive Chair of Women on Boards Australia, spoke about the various types of boards and explained to the audience that Industry associations such as REINSW were a very good place to start a board career.

"What do you need to do to position yourself best to join a board?" Medd asked the audience. She then extolled the importance of creating a quality resume, a board-ready LinkedIn profile and most importantly perfecting a convincing 30 second pitch.

Four panelists - Sandra McCullagh, Pauline Vamos, Amanda Rose and Sarah Bester - took to the stage to explain to the audience how they became board members and the best way to go about joining a board in an industry that you're passionate about.

"Ask yourself, where do I fit in? Can I add value to this board?" Vamos added.

Pilkington then took to the stage to speak about the REINSW board, and upcoming elections, the process of nominating for the available positions as well as the eligibility criteria for nominees.

She was very pleased and encouraged by the enthusiasm of panelists and audience members alike.

"There's lots of enthusiasm around the next board election. I think a better understanding of what prospective board members need to do to actually achieve a place on the board is something I'm really excited to see," said Pilkington.

Leanne is Managing Director of leading New South Wales boutique real estate group Laing+Simmons, and one of the real estate industry's most respected and sought after commentators.